A colouring book, a peacock, a crested shield, dog tags and medallions – what could they possibly have in common? Well, how about the fact that they’re label tags for various lines of clothing? Fashion changes every season, why should the label tags be left behind? While we look at fashion bibles spelling out autumn 2010′s dos and don’ts, high street designers are busy juggling every aspect of their autumn lines, from the right length of the skirt, the perfect colour and now, the right clothing labels.
Cotton replaces plastic as clothing labels look out for a greener world
So, here’s the thing… A T-shirt is no longer tagged with just a piece of plastic with a barcode stamped on it. Instead you might find an embossed shield woven onto a piece of brightly coloured fabric. A dress will be tagged with a beautiful peacock with an intricately stitched tail. The right label tag can change the perception of the buyer. It shows care and an infinite amount of detail and attention that has been paid, down to the smallest detail.
If a tag was made with so much precision, something that would most likely be discarded after purchase, imagine the detail the manufacturer must have paid to the piece of clothing itself. Imagine a gorgeous delicate set of underwear – which tag would you prefer on it, a minimal plastic one, that you’re in constant fear will snag a bit of lace and unravel the whole ensemble, or an equally delicate piece of fabric stitched and matched to the bra?
Just getting a piece of cloth to replace plastic may not be enough. Sure, you’re even doing your bit for the environment. A lot of manufacturers are now opting for specifically cotton labels. In a perfectly environmentally conscious world, even the designers have realised the potential beauty of a material that was once upon a time so plebeian.
So Hermès, usually known for their silk, has designed a line of cotton scarves for Liberty. They’re chic, affordable and, most importantly, environmentally sustainable. Using a cotton label isn?t that big a commitment, but it does make a difference. Woven labels immediately conjure up a specific outlook – someone has cared enough for their product and their environment. Companies have designers working specifically on individual clothing tags that convey a brand?s aesthetics as well as its conscience.
The next time you come home shopping with a trolley full of goodies, don’t be surprised if you find yourself snipping off the clothing tag to tuck it away in your drawer instead of tossing it into the dustbin. Who knows when inspiration strikes and you want to fill in the colouring book that came attached to your jeans or stitch on the appliqué of the multicoloured peacock on a plain white tee? Inspiration can strike from anywhere, so we won’t blame you if you pick up a pair of trousers purely because its cloth tag looked too good to pass up.
Jeff Lobdell of Firefly explained to me the philosopy of four symbols — human head & brain, computer, pine tree, and a light bulb — that represent something. The head means humanity, while the computer represents technology (or anything man-made). On the other hand, the tree represents the environment and the light bulb represents thoughts, ideas, creativity or anything intangible.
And because of its natural antibacterial properties, it needs no pesticides. This fabric is cooling in summer, warm in winter, and environmentally friendly year round.
